Phenology
Observations for May
Toads trilling, bumblebees buzzing, dragonflies darting, and
feathered-friends flitting to feeders. Lots of changes afoot
this month. Today, see an exciting animation of how sunlight
has changed during the schoolyear. This is the last Signs
of Spring update, but don't stop looking, listening, drawing,
and writing about what you see. You might make some new discoveries!
Photo: Wayne Kryduba

Signs
of Spring: Observations for April
Sometimes it's new sounds that clue us in to seasonal changes.
What new spring signs are your ears picking up? We'll
help you tune them this month. You'll also find some great
photos of spring signs in the States and nearly halfway around
the globe. Are you paying attention to the sunlight?
Let's take a look from space and see what has changed! Photo:
Duygu Ergen

Signs
of Spring: Observations for March
When you make your March observations, keep your eyes and
ears open. Big changes are in store as we head into spring!
Again this month, take a look at the Earth from space to see
an important change in sunlight. Things are happening even
more quickly than last month. Have you noticed?

Signs
of Spring: Observations for February
It may still feel like winter, but observers who have looked
and listened closely have discovered lots of seasonal changes
— from hungry eagles to extra sunlight. Use our Signs
of Spring journal pages and checklists to describe what's
happening in your hometown. Also this month, take
a look at the Earth from space to see an important change!
Photo:
DaveMansell

Signs
of Fall: Observations for DecemberAutumn
in North America is winding down, and the winter solstice
is just 3 weeks away. Snows are falling and flocks of feathered
friends are in a feeding frenzy! What's happening in your
schoolyard? This month we'll explore what happens with the
sun and shadows on the solstice. Join us!Photo: Douglas Gates

Signs
of Fall: Observations for NovemberYour
reports speak loudly: Things in the natural world are hopping!
As their environment changes, animals are flocking, flying,
hoarding food, and more. Nectar and other food sources are
scarce. What else have you noticed? How have some
of these seasonal changes affected your life? Dig into these
questions and think about the role of the sun as you explore
photos of Earth from space! Photo:
The Living Earth, Inc.

Signs
of Fall: Observations for October
Fall is unfolding and migrating animals are moving. Several
observers report huge flocks of robins. Others have noticed
thicker coats on animals, including human ones! As you go
outside to observe your changing environment this month, try
to draw what you see. Are students everywhere seeing similar
changes? Find out! Photo:
Shelley Powers

Signs
of Fall: Observations for September
What does fall look like in your part of the world? Once each
month, take a few minutes to go outside and record the changes
you see. Plan to go outside exactly one month later and see
how things have changed. Watch for a monthly reminder. Keep
in mind that shifting sunlight is the basis for all other
changes you'll see this season!
Photo: Elizabeth Howard

Join
us in September!SIGNS OF FALL OBSERVATION REMINDERS will
be posted here once a month from September through June.
Get
ready to gather data about fall changes! Find out why it's
worth collecting, how to do it, and what you can do with
your findings. >>